Stressors

Level of Biological Organization

Cell term

Organ term

Taxonomic Applicability

Life Stages

Sex Applicability

How This Key Event Works

For the relevant paragraphs below please see AOP entitled Chronic binding of antagonist to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during brain development induces impairment of learning and memory abilities.

It is now well accepted that modest activation of NMDARs leading to modest increases in postsynaptic calcium are optimal for triggering LTD (Lledo et al. 1998; Bloodgood and Sabatin, 2007; Bloodgood et al. 2009), whereas much stronger activation of NMDARs leading to much larger increases in postsynaptic calcium are required to trigger LTP (Luscher and Malenka, 2012; Malenka 1994). Indeed, high-frequency stimulation causes a strong temporal summation of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), and depolarization of the postsynaptic cell is sufficient to relieve the Mg2+ block of the NMDAR and allow a large amount of calcium to enter into the postsynaptic cells. Therefore, intra-cellular calcium is measured as a readout for evaluation NMDAR stimulation.

How It Is Measured or Detected

Methods that have been previously reviewed and approved by a recognized authority should be included in the Overview section above.
All other methods, including those well established in the published literature, should be described here.
Consider the following criteria when describing each method:
1. Is the assay fit for purpose?
2. Is the assay directly or indirectly (i.e. a surrogate) related to a key event relevant to the final
adverse effect in question?
3. Is the assay repeatable?
4. Is the assay reproducible?